Black Friday big shop

Photo: Tony Miller

THAT’S mine . . . an eager shopper gets his hands on a new TV at Asda in Chadderton.

Bargain hunters queued outside Asda in Chadderton early this morning as they hunted down huge savings on “Black Friday”.

Hundreds of shoppers waited for the doors to open at 8am for the sales - an imported American tradition for the day following Thanksgiving.

Keith Head (49), of Chadderton, had been queuing for 40 minutes and was on the lookout for a present for his daughter.

He said: “I’m here for the cheap pies and to get something for my daughter. I’m also helping my friend at the front who’s got a walking stick and looking for a new TV.”

Shoppers at the front of the queue were quick to get to the stack of discounted TVs at the store entrance as the doors opened.

Store manager Graham Price said Black Friday now marks the start of the Christmas sales season.

He said: “Last year was our first time. The idea comes from WalMart, which started Black Friday (and is Asda’s parent company). We always want to be the biggest in the world for offers because of that.

“This year is three times bigger as last year and is going on for two days.”

Zahed Hassan (24), of Oldham, was at the front of the queue for bargains. He said: “I’m looking for a good deal on a new TV. I got here at 4.30am to make sure I get what I want.”

Police were called to seven Tesco stores across Greater Manchester following disturbances at Black Friday sales events.

Greater Manchester Police said at least two people have been arrested at Black Friday sales events already this morning.

Police were called to several supermarkets around the country overnight as thousands of customers sought bargains.